Cats have a special way of making themselves part of the family, whether they’re curled up beside you on the couch, sprinting through the house at 2 a.m., or somehow squeezing themselves into a cardboard box that’s clearly too small. National Cat Day gives us an official excuse to celebrate everything we love about them while also bringing attention to the cats that are still waiting for homes.
So, when is National Cat Day in 2026? In the United States, National Cat Day falls on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The date stays the same each year, so you can mark your calendars well in advance.
Whether you share your home with one cat, have a full feline household, foster cats, or simply love them from afar, there are plenty of ways to join in. Below, we’ll cover what the holiday is all about and how to celebrate it in ways that are fun and meaningful for cats.
What is National Cat Day?
National Cat Day is celebrated in the U.S every October 29th. Animal welfare advocate and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Page founded the observance in 2005 to bring awareness to cats in need of rescue and adoption while also celebrating the cats who already share our homes.
Over the years, the holiday has become a popular opportunity for shelters, rescues, cat owners, and animal lovers to promote adoption, donate to feline causes, and of course show off their cats.
It shouldn't be confused with International Cat Day, which is a separate worldwide celebration held annually on August 8.
Why National Cat Day Matters
Posting a cute cat picture is certainly one way to say Happy National Cat Day, but the original purpose behind the holiday is still incredibly relevant.
According to Shelter Animals Count's latest annual report, about 3 million cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues in 2025. Approximately 2.2 million cats were adopted, while an estimated 277,000 cats were euthanized. Across cats and dogs combined, owner surrenders accounted for about 30% of community intakes.
Those numbers are a reminder of why adoption, fostering, volunteering, and supporting local rescues still matter. Not everyone can bring another cat home, and that’s okay. Helping an animal find a home, donating supplies, or giving a shelter a few hours of your time can make a difference too.
6 Ways to Celebrate National Cat Day
Wondering how to celebrate National Cat Day this year? You don’t necessarily need an elaborate plan. From helping a shelter cat to giving your own a little extra attention, here are six ways to make October 29 count.
1. Adopt or Foster a Cat in Need
If you’ve already been considering adding a cat to your family, National Cat Day can be a great time to visit your local shelter or rescue.
Adoption gives a cat a home while also opening valuable space and resources for another animal in need. Before adopting, though, make sure you’re ready for the long-term commitment. Cats can live well into their teens and sometimes beyond, so adopting should never be an impulse decision just because it's a holiday.
Not quite ready for the commitment? Fostering can be another great option. Foster homes give cats a break from the shelter environment and allow rescues to learn more about their personalities, habits, and needs before finding them a permanent home.
2. Support Your Local Shelter
You don't have to adopt to help a cat in need. Local shelters and rescue organizations depend on their communities for support, and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
You could donate money, drop items off from a shelter's wish list, volunteer your time, participate in a supply drive, or even share adoptable cats on social media. Commonly needed supplies can include cat food, litter, toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, and carriers, but check your shelter's current wish list before purchasing anything. Even small contributions can help staff and volunteers continue caring for cats while they wait for their homes.
3. Give Your Cat’s Space an Upgrade
Your cat might appreciate an upgrade to their environment more than a new toy. Cats naturally climb, scratch, hide, stretch, and explore. Giving them appropriate outlets for those behaviors can make your home more interesting and engaging from their perspective.
Consider adding a vertical climbing space, a sturdy scratching surface, or a comfortable perch near a window, or a quiet spot where your cat can retreat when they want some alone time. If you have multiple cats, creating several elevated resting areas can also give everyone more options for finding their own space.
The goal isn't necessarily to fill your house with cat products. Instead, look at the space from your cat’s point of view. A few thoughtfully placed shelves, scratching areas, hammocks, or cubbies can turn your unused wall space into an environment your cats can actually interact with.
4. Spend Quality One-on-One Time
Sometimes the simplest way to celebrate is to give your cat more of something they already love: your attention.
Set aside some uninterrupted time for an interactive play session with a wand toy, brush your cat if they enjoy being groomed, or simply hangout together in their favorite spot.
Try letting your cat guide the interaction too. Some cats could happily spend an hour on your lap, while others would much rather chase a toy across the living room or sit nearby without being touched. Paying attention to those preferences can help you learn more about your cat’s personality while strengthening your bond.
5. Share on Social Media
Let's be fair, most cat owners probably don't need another reason to post pictures of their cats. But National Cat Day is the perfect opportunity anyway. Share a photo or video using #NationalCatDay, and tell people something that makes your cat special. If your cat was adopted, you could share their adoption story or a before and after picture from the day they came home.
You can also use your post to spotlight a cat that’s still waiting for a family. Check your local shelters social pages, choose an adoptable cat, and share their profile with your friends and followers. Your share might put them in front of exactly the right person.
6. Learn Something New About Cats
Even lifelong cat owners can still be surprised by their feline friends. Celebrate the day by learning something new about how cats communicate, behave and experience the world.
Here are a few fun facts to get started:
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A group of adult cats can be called a clowder.
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A cat’s whiskers do more than look cute. They’re highly sensitive and help cats gather information about their surroundings.
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Scratching isn't simply a destructive habit. Cats scratch to stretch, maintain their claws, leave scent, visual marks, and communicate.
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A tabby isn't actually a breed. “Tabby” describes a coat pattern that can appear in many different breeds and mixed-breed cats.
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Cats have scent glands in several places on their bodies, including around their cheeks, which is one reason they may rub their faces against people and objects.
Learning why your cat does certain things can make some of their seemingly strange habits a lot easier to understand.
Other Cat Holidays & Celebrations Around the World
If one cat holiday isn't enough, you’re in luck. National Cat Day USA is just one of the several feline celebrations throughout the year.
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National Tabby Day - April 30, 2026
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Hug Your Cat Day - June 4, 2026
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International Cat Day - August 8, 2026
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Black Cat Appreciation Day - August 17, 2026
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National Black Cat Day - October 27, 2026
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Ginger Cat Appreciation Day - September 1, 2026
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National Cat Day - October 29, 2026
National Cat Day FAQs
How can I celebrate if I don’t have a cat?
There are plenty of ways to participate without having your own cat. Volunteer at a local animal shelter, donate supplies, sponsor an adoption fee, contribute to a rescue organization, or share adoptable cats on social media. You could also spend time with cat-owning friends or family.
What’s the best way to celebrate with a foster cat?
Keep the celebration centered around what makes your foster cat comfortable. That could mean a new toy, a quiet play session, some extra enrichment, or simply giving them space to relax.
Celebrate Cats Today and Every Day
National Cat Day might only come around once a year, but the ideas behind it don't have to end when October 29 does. Giving cats safe homes, enriching environments, appropriate outlets for natural behaviors, and plenty of love is something we can work toward year-round.
Whether you’re celebrating by adopting, fostering, donating to your local shelter, upgrading your cat’s favorite space, or simply spending an extra half hour playing together, choose something that feels meaningful to you.
